Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

This investigation assessed genotypic and phenotypic associations between seed yield per plant and yield-contributing traits and estimated the direct and indirect effects of individual traits in yellow mustard (Brassica rapa L.). The experimental material comprised 84 genotypes: 20 lines, three testers, 60 F₁ hybrids derived from a line × tester mating design, and the commercial check Pitambari. The material was evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications across the 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26 rabi seasons. Fourteen agronomic traits were recorded. Genotypic correlations of seed yield were positive with primary branches per plant (r = 0.732), biological yield per plant (r = 0.688), oil content (r = 0.622), siliquae per plant (r = 0.544), secondary branches per plant (r = 0.488) and test weight (r = 0.466). Days to maturity (r = −0.661) and days to 50% flowering (r = −0.585) showed negative correlations. At the phenotypic level, seeds per siliqua (r = 0.864), biological yield (r = 0.655) and oil content (r = 0.611) were positively associated with seed yield. Path analysis identified biological yield (0.655), siliquae per plant (0.636) and primary branches (0.568) as traits with comparatively large positive genotypic direct effects. Corresponding phenotypic direct effects were highest for siliquae per plant (0.921), biological yield (0.533) and test weight (0.513). These findings indicate that the evaluated yield components may inform selection within the studied yellow mustard material.